DEVON AND CORNWALL

Enjoy five days exploring the south west peninsula of England, a region steeped in myth and mystery; Devon and Cornwall are home to Arthurian legend, Celtic kingdoms, beautiful coastlines and wild moorlands with legendary beasts. Spend two nights in charming Exeter and two nights in the beautiful coastal town of Falmouth.

ITINERARY

Small group tour: Devon and Cornwall - A Magical Land of Legends

DAY ONE

Historic Winchester and Stonehenge

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Departing London, we travel out in to the English countryside and through the ancient kingdom of Wessex to its age-old capital the historic city of Winchester where we take time to explore the fascinating old town with its magnificent cathedral and historic Great Hall. We then pass in to Wiltshire and the eerie Salisbury Plain to visit an icon of England; Stonehenge is a magnificent prehistoric site that is instantly recognized the world over but remains shrouded in mystery dating back to 3000 BC. And baffling experts as to its possible purpose. Later, we enjoy the scenic drive through Dorset and Devon perhaps with time to enjoy the panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, before arriving in Exeter, an important fortified settlement in Roman times and our base for two nights.

Accommodation: Overnight Exeter.

Highlights: historic city of Winchester, Salisbury Plain, iconic Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast.

DAY TWO

Dartmoor, Tavistock town and Exeter

This morning set off to explore the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, setting of Hound of the Baskervilles, where we can spot wild ponies roaming on the hillsdies and where we view the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge. Then on to the historic market town of Tavistock, once home to the English sea-farer Sir Francis Drake. Returning to Exeter in the early afternoon, we have time to explore this charming Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient city walls, Royal Albert Memorial museum and its famous 12th century Norman Cathedral.

Accommodation: Overnight Exeter.

Highlights: wilderness of Dartmoor, Clapper Bridge, market town of Tavistock and the roman town of Exeter.

DAY THREE

North Cornwall, Bodmin Moor and Tintagel

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, England

Continuing West in to the Celtic kingdom of Cornwall you'll visit the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston with its 12th century Norman keep. Then cross the barren Bodmin Moor, renowned for its own beast and where you can spot the pre-historic stones called the Hurlers and the Cheesewring. Legends of piskies and spriggins abound and the resting place of King Arthur's sword Excalibur in Dozmary Pool all combine with mythical tales to make this a very special corner of England. Continuing to the north Cornish coast we visit the mediaeval fishing village of Boscastle with its distinctive harbour before exploring the romantic cliff top ruins of Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur. Finally, we make our way south to the beautiful seaside University town of Falmouth, our base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Falmouth.

Highlights: Launceston, the barren Bodmin Moor and Tintagel Castle.

DAY FOUR

The Cornish Coast, Penzance, Land's End and St Ives

St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, England

Today explore the most westerly tip of England and the Cornish Peninsula. Enjoy views of St. Michael's mount, visit the stunning cliff-top village of Mousehole, see the incredible Minack Theatre carved into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and visit the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. We may even see some pirates at Penzance! England's most westerly point beckons at Lands End before following the dramatic coast, with windswept moors and old stone Celtic communities up to the artistic haven of St. Ives. Later we return to Falmouth for the night.

Accommodation: Overnight Falmouth.

Highlights: views of St. Michael's mount, the cliff-top village of Mousehole, Minack Theatre, Lands End and the artistic haven of St. Ives.

DAY FIVE

Devonshire Countryside and King Arthur's Glastonbury

This morning we say farewell to Cornwall and travel back through the Devonshire countryside and moors with occasional stops for photos and refreshments. On our journey north we take a break in the market town of Launceston, with its castle that dates from just after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Passing in to the rural country of Somerset we visit the charming little town of Glastonbury, renowned as the spiritual capital of England. Here both Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor, rising high above the town, have mythical connections with King Arthur and the Isle of Avalon. From here we continue back to the city of London, a world away from the sunny West Country.

Highlights: Launceston, Somerset and the charming town of Glastonbury.